Sailing in Upper Egypt

February 15 – 20 2026

An iconic trip in every way, a cruise down the Nile in Upper Egypt should be on everyone’s bucket list. But this year, we are taking this annual trip several notches up as we will be using a brand-new luxury dahabeyya (traditional sailboat) that will provide a totally upgraded experience.

We start with a couple of days in Nubia and Aswan, at the dramatic Ben Ben Hotel. We will visit colorful Nubian villages, the iconic Old Cataract Hotel, and of course the impressive Abu Simbel temple. We then board our private dahabeyya for a 3-day cruise towards Luxor. Along the way, we visit several ancient Egyptian temples while enjoying the serene rural landscapes rolling slowly by, and even stopping in a couple of spots to take a dip in the Nile or a walk in a traditional village. The cruise ends in Luxor where we visit the awe-inspiring Karnak and Luxor temples, and the West Bank with the Valley of the Kings.

Those who wish can take an optional extra day to stay at the Old Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor and visit the temple of Hathor in Dandera, located one and a half hours drive north of Luxor. This is one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt and is always missed by the regular tourist cruise route due to its location outside the main circuit; but it is most certainly well worth the detour.

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Detailed Itinerary

February 15	Arrival in Aswan, and checkin at the BenBen hotel overlooking the Aswan Cistern and Philae Temple. Depending on arrival time, relaxing afternoon by the pool, and dinner.
February 16	Easy morning, before proceeding to lunch at the Old Cataract Hotel (optional), followed by an afternoon visit by motorboat around the protected area in the Nile in Aswan and to the colourful Nubian Villages. After some rest at the hotel and dinner, we cross over by boat to Philae island for a sound and light show at the temple.
February 17	Early morning flight to Abu Simbel for a guided visit of the world-famous temple. On the way back, stop for a visit of the Aswan Hight Dam before continuing to the dahabeya for checkin. Lunch on the dahabeya as it sets sail up the Nile.
February 18	The second day of sailing. Enjoy serene landscapes drift by with various stops and guided visits, including Gabal El Selsila and the Temple of Horus at Edfu.
February 19	On the third day of sailing, we visit the colorful temple of Esna, and cross the lock. Arrive in Luxor in time to visit the beautiful temple of Luxor at night. Final dinner and overnight on the boat in Luxor.
February 20	Checkout from the dahabeya after breakfast. Guided visits of the impressive complex of temples at Karnak, before crossing over to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings (and the temple of Hatshepsut, depending on the time). After the visits transfer to the airport for departure. For those staying an extra optional night, transfer to and checkin at the iconic Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor. Dinner at Sofra restaurant and a stroll in the souk at Luxor.
February 21 (Optional)	On this optional day, we take a one-and-a-half-hour drive north of Luxor to visit one of the most beautiful temples: the Temple of Hathor at Dandera. After a stop for lunch on the way back, transfer to the airport for departure.

Price Options

Price:

Price per person is dependent on the size of the group, as per below:

– Group 0f 14: $3500 in double occupancy; $4780 in single occupancy.

– Group 0f 13: $3520 in double occupancy; $4795 in single occupancy.

– Group 0f 12: $3560 in double occupancy; $4830 in single occupancy.

– Group 0f 11: $3600 in double occupancy; $4890 in single occupancy.

– Group 0f 10: $3670 in double occupancy; $4940 in single occupancy.

– Group 0f 9: $3740 in double occupancy; $5000 in single occupancy.

Suite Supplement (2 Suites Available): $600

Price Includes:

Airport pickup and drop-offs in Luxor and Aswan.
Accommodation at the BenBen Hotel in Nubia (2 nights, Bed and Breakfast).
Flight to and guided visit of Abu Simbel.
Excursion to the Nubian villages.
All-inclusive full-board dahabeyya cruise (3 nights) excluding beverages.
All private tours and entrance fees with an expert guide.

Price Does Not Include:

International airfare from your point of departure to Aswan and from Luxor.
Dinners in Aswan.
Lunch at the Old Cataract Hotel.
Beverage consumption on the boat.
Anything not specifically mentioned above.
Travel insurance.
Visa processing.
Tips

Price for the extra optional day: $600 in single occupancy; $400 in double occupancy. Includes accommodation at the Winter Palace Hotel, transport, and guided visit of the temple of Hathor at Dandera.

Payment and Terms

Trip Status: This trip is open for reservation.

Terms

To confirm your spot, a down payment of $1000 is requested. Second payment (50%) is due on October 15. Balance is due on January 5.
Trip will be cancelled if there are less than 9 cabins booked on the boat by November 1.
Cancellation is free of charge if before November 15, or if 9 cabins have not been filled.
Cancellation anytime after 9 cabins are filled or after November 15: 40% (unless a replacement is found).
Cancellation after Jan 1: 70% (unless a replacement is found).
Travel insurance is not included in the price and is recommended for emergency cancellations.

As will all trips, every effort will be made t0 minimize any cancellation penalties. No penalties if a replacement guest is found.

Sailing in Upper Egypt

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Detailed Itinerary

Price Options

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